Financial advisers managed to help land £1.2 million for 60 Glasgow parents over the last year - equivalent to £20,000 for each of the households on average.
The families in poverty got the extra cash thanks to advice and employment support from council family finance key workers based in city libraries.
The team helped them find jobs including as a computer analyst, asbestos remover, Arabic teacher, care worker Interpreter and school caterer.
READ MORE: Glasgow city centre plan for 350 flats with no car parking for tenants approved
Councillor Annette Christie, SNP, described the achievement as “incredible” during a meeting, which heard the team gave parents “intensive” support to boost income.
A Glasgow Life officer said: “In the last financial year they supported 60 parents to secure a combined increase in income of over £1.2 million.”
She said the workers provide “one to one mentoring to lift working families out of poverty by focusing on “employment and financial capability including advice on budgeting, welfare rights, one off grants and debt solutions.”
Reacting to their efforts, Councillor Christie said: “I’m astounded. Helping 60 parents to increase income by over £1.2 million is an incredible achievement.”
The family finance key workers are funded by the Scottish Government Parent Employment and Financial Support Fund.
A council report said the team also helped 88 parents get qualifications, 140 to access unclaimed benefits, rationalise debt and access food and fuel top-ups.
Their work came to light yesterday as councillors were updated on the contribution of Glasgow Life in helping with the cost of living crisis in line with certain council challenges and missions.
An update was given to the Operational Performance and Delivery Scrutiny Committee on Glasgow Life work to support council commitments with a focus on the cost of living crisis.
Ongoing efforts include continuing to “promote Glasgow as a world-leading events destination” and maximising “the impact of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and Glasgow’s year as European Capital of Sport.”
There is also a bid to “Introduce community referrals to encourage wider participation in sport, culture and physical activity programmes and improve collaboration within the health and well-being sector.”
During the meeting Glasgow Life’s contribution was outlined in the council mission: “support Glasgow to be a city that is active and culturally vibrant” under Grand Challenge 1: “reduce poverty and inequality in our communities.”
Its contribution was also laid out in relation to Grand Challenge 2: “increase opportunity and prosperity for all our citizens” under mission 2: “support the growth of an innovative, resilient and net zero carbon economy.”
READ NEXT
Glasgow East End councillor to host Coronation tea party for community
Glasgow nursery children told they CAN attend primary where siblings go, after initial refusal
Glasgow plans lodged to install 20p bottle return machines in four streets
Historic Glasgow school to be demolished to protect 'public safety'
New Glasgow bin hubs to be monitored by CCTV as Pollokshields residents prepare for launch
